The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "Does Israel Go It Alone or Should We Join" - Detailed Summary

Release Date: June 18, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host John Podhoretz engages in a robust discussion with Executive Editor Abe Greenwald and guest Matthew Continetti, Director of Domestic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute. The conversation delves into pressing political dynamics within the Democratic Party and the unfolding Israeli operation against Iran, exploring whether the United States should intervene alongside Israel.

Section 1: The Radical Left Within the Democratic Party

[00:39] John Podhoretz initiates the discussion by referencing the recent July-August issue of Commentary Magazine, highlighting Matthew Continetti's column. Continetti scrutinizes the influence of the radical left and its liberal adherents within the Democratic Party. The central question posed is the extent to which Democratic voters and officials are aligned with anti-Semitic sentiments, anti-Americanism, and destructive economic policies.

Matthew Continetti emphasizes, "The Democratic Party as a whole or its other elected officials or its representative offices are advancing the interests of people who hate America and hate Israel, hate capitalism and are I think a patently destructive force." [02:32]

Section 2: Recent Incidents of Elected Democratic Officials' Activism

Abe Greenwald references multiple instances where mainstream Democratic politicians have engaged in or excused radical left actions:

• Alex Padilla, California Senator, was subdued by the Secret Service during an intrusion at a Kristi Noem press conference. [04:39]
• Representative Lamonica McIver from New Jersey and Mayor Ross Baraka of Newark were arrested at an ICE demonstration.
• Hannah Dugan, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge, was implicated in assisting individuals to evade ICE through courthouse side doors.
• Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller, orchestrated his own arrest during an ICE proceeding to gain political traction. [07:07]

Greenwald highlights the strategic motivations behind these actions, noting, "They think this is throwing red meat to their people and that this is righteous because it's all against ICE." [07:07]

Section 3: Implications for the Democratic Party and Upcoming Elections

The hosts discuss the potential ramifications of these actions on the Democratic Party's image, especially with upcoming elections:

• Greenwald asserts, "If the Democrats wanted to put out the flames that create Trumpism, the simplest solution is to get tough on immigration and they cannot do it." [10:43]
• The conversation touches upon the consolidation of the radical left's influence and its disconnect from mainstream voter concerns, potentially alienating moderate Democrats.

Continetti adds, "They have taken a page from the protesters and said, oh, this is now effective politics. That's what we need to be doing." [08:25]

Section 4: Israeli Operation Against Iran and US Involvement

The discussion shifts to the recent Israeli military operations targeting Iran's nuclear capabilities. The debate centers on whether the United States should support Israel militarily.

Greenwald underlines the existential threat posed by Iran: "Iran's proxies have bombed US Military facilities, they have assassinated American officials, they have kidnapped Americans..." [35:01]

Podhoretz counters, "We have the most powerful military in the world. We have developed these capabilities that we do not use, like the bunker buster bomb that would take out Fordow..." [39:06]

Section 5: Trump's Role and Strategy

The roles of former President Donald Trump in the current geopolitical landscape are scrutinized:

• Trump's recent "unconditional surrender" tweet is analyzed for its historical implications. [30:00]
• Podhoretz reflects on the significance of such statements, drawing parallels to historical declarations of war and regime defeat. [51:27]
• Greenwald emphasizes Trump's consistent stance over the past decade: "Iran must not have a nuclear weapon and the United States must support the state of Israel." [35:46]

Section 6: Debates on Deterrence and Military Capabilities

The hosts debate the strategic importance of US involvement alongside Israel:

• Podhoretz argues that US military intervention would reinforce deterrence: "Wars are a failure of deterrence... The world needs America to reestablish deterrence and to make it clear to people that we should be listened to." [44:11]
• Techniques and capabilities of the US military, such as using AI for strategic planning and executing precise military operations, are highlighted as assets that could effectively support Israel. [18:30]

Greenwald counters the notion of unilateral Israeli action by stressing the broader implications for American security and global stability: "This regime is an American problem just as much as it's an Israeli problem." [36:58]

Podhoretz further elaborates on the practical aspects, stating, "We are doing it to prevent war, to reestablish deterrence." [46:42]

Section 7: Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with a consensus on the critical need for US involvement to ensure global deterrence and stability. The hosts reiterate the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities and reinforcing the US-Israel alliance.

Podhoretz summarizes, "The only country on earth that has done [similar operations] in the last 40 years to establish deterrence and to prevent nuclear breakouts is Israel... We need it to reestablish deterrence." [44:11]

Greenwald underscores the urgency, noting that "the window for that possibility is closing," signaling imminent US action if diplomatic avenues remain unproductive. [48:31]

Notable Quotes:

• Matthew Continetti on Democratic Party alignment: "The Democratic Party as a whole or its other elected officials or its representative offices are advancing the interests of people who hate America and hate Israel, hate capitalism and are I think a patently destructive force." [02:32]

• Abe Greenwald on Democratic responses to violence: "When the radical left breaks laws... mainstream Democratic politicians... excuse it, make apologies for it, say it's a distraction." [02:32]

• John Podhoretz on US military capabilities: "We have the most powerful military in the world... It's a relatively bloodless operation." [39:06]

• Abe Greenwald on the necessity of US involvement: "This regime is an American problem just as much as it's an Israeli problem." [36:58]

• John Podhoretz on deterrence: "Wars are a failure of deterrence... The world needs America to reestablish deterrence." [44:11]

Closing Remarks

John Podhoretz wraps up the episode by reinforcing the themes discussed, urging listeners to consider the profound implications of domestic political dynamics and international military engagements. The conversation underscores the intricate balance between party ideology, national security, and global stability.

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